Photo courtesy of Travis Bordley
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) presents its 5th annual Winter Hiking Challenge, encouraging all people to set a goal of moving 60 miles between January 1 and March 1 of 2025. “This is a personal challenge as opposed to a race or competition,” says Justin Tucker, outreach program manager with SAHC. “It’s not about completing 60 miles before anyone else, nor is it about trying to hike more miles than anyone else.”
The miles can be walked, hiked or run in any location, and can be logged online at any time in the challenge window. “This challenge is designed to encourage people to get outside and incorporate movement into their day-to-day routines even through the colder months for the purposes of mental and physical wellness,” says Tucker.
Registration for the challenge is $25 and all proceeds go to support conservation work in the Southern Appalachians. Those who are registered will receive emails from SAHC with suggestions for hiking locations across North Carolina and Tennessee, including locations that have been protected by SAHC and some lesser known destinations. “The Winter Hiking Challenge is important to SAHC because it is a fun way to host a fundraiser that helps support our conservation efforts,” says Tucker. “Not only does it lift spirits when folks learn that a beautiful viewpoint is permanently protected but we also feel it also adds a level of personal responsibility to do your part in continuing the work of protecting the lands that we enjoy recreating on.”
If you choose to log your miles by hiking in the mountains, keep these winter safety tips in mind:
· Overpack food and water—you need more than you think when it’s cold outside!
· Layer your clothing and use moisture-wicking base layers like Merino wool and synthetics.
· Waterproof boots are essential in case you encounter mud or snow.
· Always check the weather before you leave the house and err on the side of caution if inclement weather is expected.
Registration is open through February 25. Learn more and register at Appalachian.org/2025-winter-hiking-challenge.
